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Close Call Sports objectively tracks and analyzes close and controversial calls in sport, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game. Developed from The Left Field Corner's MLB Umpire Ejection Fantasy League (UEFL), baseball's number one source for umpire ejections, video instant replay reviews and their corresponding calls, with great regard for the rules and spirit of the game.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Teachable - Umpire Turns Back During Play at 2B

This edition of Tmac's Teachable Moments comes from a play in Italy involving a second base umpire whose position adjustment during a bunt play in the 9th inning of a one-run Parma-Bologna game produced a fantastic safe/pulled foot call...

...Followed by a premature turn away from the play such that the umpire's back was to the runner when he was tagged by a fielder while the runner briefly took off for third. Moon Over Parma, indeed!

Fortunately, this crew corrected the error at second base and ruled the runner out.

This video discusses how to take such a play in the two- three- and four-umpire systems, using the mechanics, limitations, and features of each.

We also discus the importance of keeping an eye on the play—usually the ball itself, but sometimes base touches, obstruction/interference interactions between fielders and runners.

Remember, a play is not complete in baseball until no more action is possible and although it is sometimes difficult to anticipate a runner at second base suddenly stepping off the base after being called safe, it is important to watch the entirety of the action until the ball is returned to the pitcher or otherwise leaves the area at the base where a potential play may occur.